Fantasy Football Blog | Russ Bliss | NFL Analyst, Radio & TV Hostdeji karimhttp://www.fantasyfootballstarters.com:80/blog/tags/deji karim/
Fantasy football advice is just a click away with Russ Bliss, nationally acclaimed NFL and fantasy analyst for the past 20 years.enRuss BlissMon, 21 Apr 2014 17:53:00 GMTRuss Bliss2014-04-21T17:53:00ZenRuss BlissFantasy Football Blog | Russ Bliss | NFL Analyst, Radio & TV Hostdeji karimhttp://www.fantasyfootballstarters.com:80/blog/tags/deji karim/Fantasy Football News and Notes 12-26-13http://www.fantasyfootballstarters.com:80/blog/fantasy-football-news-and-notes-12-26-13
<div><b><i><u>Fantasy News and Notes 12-26-13:</u></i></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Quarterbacks</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Aaron Rodgers</b> has been cleared to return and will start week 17 for the Packers. <strong>Matt Flynn</strong> goes back to the bench.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Cam Newton's</b> ankle injury is believed to be minor and he says it will not affect his mobility week 17.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>While the Cowboys refuse to throw in the towel on <b>Tony Romo</b> he is highly doubtful to get cleared to play week 17 with a herniated disc in his back. <b>Kyle Orton</b> should start in his place Sunday night. Dallas signed <b>Jon Kitna</b> to be Orton's backup.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Ryan Tannehill's</b> knee injury is considered minor and he is expected to start week 17 without issue.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>It's uncertain if <b>E.J. Manuel</b> will start week 17 or not. Buffalo said last week they expect him to be okay for week 17 despite another knee injury, but then earlier this week they expressed doubt. However, Manuel has been practicing. But really, with nothing to play for and a lot to risk by exposing their supposed QB of the future, I'm thinking saner heads will prevail and that <b>Thaddeus Lewis </b>will start and Manuel be held out. But that's just a guess.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Another guess is that the Texans will start case <b>Case Keenum</b> this week over <b>Matt Schaub</b>. Keenum has been able to practice some and appears to be recovered enough from the sprained thumb on his throwing hand that he'll be able to start. But again, that's just a guess.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Despite his knee injury clearly affecting him in week 16, <b>Joe Flacco</b> is not even on the injury report for Baltimore this week. But don't let that fool you; Flacco is far from being 100%.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Oakland is turning back to <b>Terrelle Pryor</b> as their starting QB week 17. <b>Matt McGloin</b> has been fairly awful the last few weeks and it's a little surprising it took this long for the Raiders to go back to Pryor.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Running Backs</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Owners of <b>Jamaal Charles</b> are likely to have to find another RB to start this week. The Chiefs are locked in as the 5th seed in the AFC playoffs and have nothing to play for at all. Andy Reid has intimated that he is inclined to either rest many of his key starters, or play them sparingly, so it's likely rookie <b>Knile Davis</b> will handle the bulk of the RB duties for the Chiefs this week with <b>Cyrus Gray</b> as his top backup.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Eddie Lacy</b> has yet to practice this week after he aggravated his ankle injury week 16 but the Packers say they expect him to be okay to play week 17. With the division title and a playoff spot up for grabs, I expect lacy will start. We may see a good bit more of <strong>James Starks</strong> than we normally do though.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Adrian Peterson</b> is very questionable for week 17 because of his foot and groin injuries. The Vikings would be wise to shut him down in a meaningless week 17 game but wisdom may not prevail. Even if active, I would expect Peterson to be limited some. With <b>Toby Gerhart</b> unable to practice after he aggravated his hamstring injury last week, it could very well be <b>Joe Banyard</b> who starts for Minnesota. <b>Matt Asiata</b> could be in the mix as well, but he's still dealing with a hamstring injury of his own.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Reggie Bush</b> is expected to be the lead RB for Detroit this week. Bush was benched in favor of <b>Joique Bell</b> after he lost another fumble in week 16.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Ryan Mathews</b> is expected to be okay for week 17 despite having missed practices this week with an ankle injury. Mathews has been enjoying the best success he's ever had the last 8 games and I expect he'll continue to be a surprise strong fantasy contributor again week 17.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The concussion suffered by <b>Andre Brown</b> week 16 must have been a mild one as he's already been cleared to return to practice and barring any setbacks he will start Sunday for the Giants. <b>Peyton Hillis</b> has also been cleared to return from the concussion that held him out of week 16 so he'll be back as Brown's backup.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Shane Vereen</b> is uncertain to play week 17 because of a groin injury suffered week 16. Vereen has been practicing in limited capacity this week but the Patriots may choose to hold him out so he can get healed up as much as possible for the playoffs. If Vereen doesn't play <b>Brandon Bolden </b>would be the primary 3rd down and receiving RB for the Patriots this week.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Houston will start <b>Jonathan Grimes</b> at RB this week. Week 16 starter <b>Dennis Johnson</b> suffered a hip injury and is very questionable to play. His top backup last week, <b>Deji Karim</b>, broke his collarbone in that game and his season is done. That leaves Grimes as the starter with recently signed <b>Ray Graham</b> as depth behind him. The season can't end soon enough for the Texans.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Jonathan Stewart</b> is expected to miss week 17 as he continues to rest up a knee injury. <b>DeAngelo Williams</b> and <b>Mike Tolbert</b> will again be the committee at RB for Carolina this week.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Jacquizz Rodgers</b> is expected to miss week 17 with a concussion. <b>Antone Smith</b> likely will be the top change of pace RB to Steven Jackson.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Wide Receivers</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Calvin Johnson</b> is very questionable for week 17 because of knee and ankle injuries. Rumors are that Megatron has a partially torn PCL and will require surgery after the season. Now that Detroit has let every chance of making the playoffs slip through their fingers, I doubt Johnson will play week 17.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Dwayne Bowe</b> has been diagnosed with a concussion and he is not going to play week 17. He wasn't going to play anyway with the Chiefs being locked in as the 5th seed. Stay away from KC players this week as the usual starters aren't going to play much, if at all.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Dez Bryant</b> aggravated his chronic back issue in practice Wednesday and was held out of practice altogether today. He insists he'll be fine for week 17 but even if he is, he obviously will be less than 100%.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Green Bay may have <b>Randall Cobb</b> back this week. He practiced in pads with the team today and while they haven't activated him off the IR/Designated for Return list yet, they can do so at any time before Sunday's game. I think they will, but I also think they'll have him on a snap count as this would be his first action since breaking his leg back in week 6. This all said, it's just what I think will happen; officially, Cobb hasn't been activated yet.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Pittsburgh's <b>Emmanuel Sanders</b> is uncertain to play week 17 because of a knee injury suffered week 16. An MRI revealed no structural damage, but he has a sprain of some sort and may not be able to play.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Carolina will be without <b>Steve Smith</b> week 17. Smith suffered a sprained PCL week 16 and the Panthers will take no chances with him as they need him for the playoffs. <b>Ted Ginn</b> is expected to start opposite <b>Brandon LaFell</b>.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Seattle will be without <b>Percy Harvin</b> week 17. This is not a surprise as Harvin is still dealing with issues in his surgically repaired hip and the best case scenario all along has been he'll return for the playoffs.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Reuben Randle</b> is uncertain to play week 17 after missing practice today with a listed knee injury. Randle wasn't on yesterday's injury list so this is a bit concerning. With <b>Victor Cruz</b> out with a knee injury himself, <b>Jerrel Jernigan</b> could end up starting opposite <b>Hakeem Nicks</b> this week if Randle can't play.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Tavon Austin</b> has been unable to practice at all this week and he appears doubtful for week 17 because of the ankle injury that has kept him out each of the last 2 games.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Buffalo's <b>Steve Johnson</b> has yet to return to the team after missing last week to be with his family while they mourned the passing of his mother. It's very likely with little to play for the team will excuse him for week 17.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Tight Ends</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Jordan Cameron</b> has yet to gain clearance to return to practice because of the concussion that prevented him from playing week 16. He's not likely to play week 17 either. <b>Gary Barnidge</b> will be the Browns primary TE again this week.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Garrett Graham</b> has been ruled OUT for week 17 because of his hamstring injury. <strong>Ryan Griffin</strong> closes out the year as the Texans starting TE.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Brandon Pettigrew</b> was placed on IR yesterday because of an ankle injury. With <b>Dorin Dickerson </b>also going to IR today because of a concussion, <b>Joseph Fauria</b> has TE duties all too himself in week 17 for the Lions.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Tyler Eifert</b> has been unable to practice yet this week because of a neck stinger injury he suffered week 16. His status for week 17 is very uncertain. Also uncertain for the Bengals is <b>Jermaine Gresham</b>. Gresham played through a listed abdominal injury week 16, but this week he's listed as having a hamstring injury that caused him to miss practice today after limiting him yesterday. I don't know if Marvin Lewis has joined in on the injury report fun and games that other coaches have with it, but this is a situation that won't likely be cleared up until tomorrow's official injury report comes out.&nbsp;</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>NFL NewsLineup Adviceaaron rodgersadrian petersonandre brownantone smithbrandon boldenbrandon pettigrewcalvin johnsoncam newtoncase keenumcyrus graydeangelo williamsdeji karimdennis johnsondez bryantdwayne bowee.j. manueleddie lacyemmanuel sandersfantasy news and notesgarrett grahamgary barnidgejacquizz rodgersjamaal charlesjames starksjermaine greshamjerrel jerniganjoe banyardjoe flaccojoique belljon kitnajonathan grimesjonathan stewartjordan cameronjoseph fauriaknile daviskyle ortonmatt asiatamatt flynnmatt mcgloinmatt schaubmike tolbertpercy harvinpeyton hillisrandall cobbray grahamreggie bushreuben randleryan griffinryan mathewsryan tannehillshane vereensteve johnsonsteve smithtavon austinterrelle pryorthaddeus lewistoby gerharttony romotyler eifertThu, 26 Dec 2013 23:43:00 GMTtag:www.fantasyfootballstarters.com,2013-12-26:default/13881013800002013-12-26T23:43:00ZFantasy Football News and Notes 10-30-13http://www.fantasyfootballstarters.com:80/blog/fantasy-football-news-and-notes-10-30-13
<div><b><i><u>Fantasy News and Notes 10-30-13:</u></i></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>BYE WEEKS:</u></b> Arizona, Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, NY Giants, San Francisco</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Quarterbacks</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Nick Foles</b> has passed all of his concussion tests and will start week 9 for Philadelphia. <b>Michael Vick</b> is OUT with a hamstring injury and probably will miss a couple of weeks. &nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>As expected, <b>Robert Griffin III</b> was able to practice today. He'll be fine for week 9 despite having had a minor knee scare in week 8.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Buffalo's <b>Thaddeus Lewis</b> missed practice today because of a ribs injury he suffered in week 8. Lewis is uncertain to be able to play week 9. <b>Jeff Tuel</b> and <b>Matt Flynn</b> split up first team reps today and it's believed that Tuel would start if Lewis can't go. At least Buffalo got some good news. E.J. Manuel took part in some drills today. That's the first time he has practiced since suffering his knee injury a few weeks ago. Manuel is not expected to return to game action though until either week 11 or week 13. Buffalo has the bye in week 12.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>No update yet on who the Vikings are going to start this week. It may be <b>Christian Ponder</b>; it may be <b>Josh Freeman</b>. No matter who it is, they're likely to stink and you shouldn't be considering him.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Running Backs</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Arian Foster</b> was listed as practicing in limited fashion today despite his hamstring injury. It's too early to tell if he'll be able to play through it or not week 9. Teammate <b>Ben Tate</b> was also able to practice and if Foster doesn't play, Tate likely will start in his place. Tate has cracked ribs, but would wear extra padding and possibly a vest to help protect the ribs. That said, I'd also expect he would be limited and share time with <b>Ray Graham</b> and <b>Deji Karim</b>.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Zac Stacy</b> was listed as limited in practice today, but reports say he was very limited in what he could do because of his ankle injury. His status for week 9 is very uncertain. Those with the luxury of having the bench space can consider acquiring Daryl Richardson for the insurance as Richardson will start if Stacy can't play.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>As expected, <b>Jamaal Charles</b> sat out practice today to rest up the minor knee injury he sustained week 8. Charles is expected to be return to practice no later than Friday and be fine for week 9.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Marshawn Lynch</b> sat out practice today with a listed knee issue. Lynch is expected to be fine for week 9 though and this was probably just a day of rest.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>C.J. Spiller</b> was able to practice in limited fashion today. Spiller didn't practice at all last week and sat out week 8 with his ankle injury so this is a positive sign, but I'm still dubious about his chances of playing this week. I think it would do both Spiller and the Bills a lot more good if they allowed him to get healthy as he has been clearly hobbled by it in games. <b>Fred Jackson</b> didn't practice today, but it's believed to be just a day for him to rest up the knee injury he's been playing through. Jackson is still expected to start and be okay for week 9. &nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>DeAngelo Williams</b> was held out of practice today. DW suffered a quad injury week 8 and while it's not thought to be serious, if he doesn't practice by Friday, I'll be concerned about him potentially missing this week. On the good news front for the Panthers, <b>Jonathan Stewart</b> took part in practice again today and he has said he expects to be ready to play this Sunday. Barring any setbacks, Carolina likely will activate him from the PUP list by Friday afternoon. It's likely he'll be limited some in his first game action and as long as Williams isn't more hurt than currently believed Stewart has little fantasy value right away. We could see a lot more of <b>Mike Tolbert </b>this week than Stewart if Williams can't play.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>DeMarco Murray</b> put in a full practice today and it's looking likely he will be okay for week 9. It's a great matchup for him and if he's really close to 100% he could have a big game. His expected return pushes <b>Joseph Randle</b> back to the bench.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Steven Jackson</b> isn't on the Falcons practice report injury lists and hopefully this is a sign he's over his hamstring and quad injuries and will perform better than he did in week 8.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Mark Ingram</b> practiced in full today. He could be soon to returning for the Saints. All his return would really do is tempt fantasy owners into making a bad decision and start him. I have little hope of him having any fantasy impact.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Wide Receivers</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Cincinnati's <b>Mohamed Sanu</b> is Questionable for tomorrow night's game. Sanu has been bypassed by <b>Marvin Jones</b> in fantasy importance on the Bengals and probably wasn't in your plans to begin with.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Roddy White</b> didn't practice today and while there's still two more days of practice this week, I would expect that if White was close to getting back on the field he'd be practicing all 3 days of the week. I am not expecting White to play week 9.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Percy Harvin</b> didn't practice today. It was reported that he suffered a setback in his recovery from his hip surgery last week and it's likely that the Seahawks are going to be very careful with him. It's sounding very iffy he'll be able to play this week and a week 10 return seems a little more likely. <b>Jermaine Kearse</b> probably will start for Seattle this week in place of <b>Sidney Rice</b>.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Steve Johnson</b> sat out practice today with a hip issue. He's fully expected to practice tomorrow and be fine for week 9.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Greg Jennings</b> sat out practice today with a knee injury. It's believed to be minor though and Jennings should be okay for week 9.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Marques Colston</b> sat out practice today with a knee injury. It's not believed to be serious and he should be okay for week 9. Teammate <b>Kenny Stills</b> was limited with a knee issue as well and he too is expected to be fine.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Eddie Royal</b> sat out practice today with a toe injury. Royal missed practices last week because of the injury but was still able to play week 8 and be fine. I expect he'll do so again this week.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Tight Ends</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Jimmy Graham</b> was limited in practice but after he got through week 8 without aggravating his foot injury, I would expect he'll be okay for this week</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Jeff Cumberland</b> is now considered to be Questionable for week 9 because of the concussion he suffered week 8.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Rob Gronkowski</b> was limited in today's practice. Normally I wouldn't bother mentioning this now that he's returned to action but the Patriots have added a hamstring to the list of ailments Gronk supposedly has. I'm sure finger and runny nose are going to be listed in coming weeks.&nbsp;</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>NFL NewsLineup Advicearian fosterben tatec.j. spillerchristian ponderdaryl richardsondeangelo williamsdeji karimdemarco murrayfantasy news and notesgreg jenningsjamaal charlesjeff cumberlandjeff tueljermaine kearsejimmy grahamjonathan stewartjoseph randlejosh freemankenny stillsmark ingrammarques colstonmarshawn lynchmarvin jonesmatt flynnmichael vickmike tolbertmohamed sanunick folespercy harvinray grahamrob gronkowskirobert griffinroddy whitesteve johnsonsteven jacksonthaddeus lewiszac stacyThu, 31 Oct 2013 02:23:00 GMTtag:www.fantasyfootballstarters.com,2013-10-31:default/13831861800002013-10-31T02:23:00ZFantasy Football News and Notes 10-29-13http://www.fantasyfootballstarters.com:80/blog/fantasy-football-news-and-notes-10-29-13
<div><b><i><u>Fantasy News and Notes 10-29-13:</u></i></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>BYE WEEKS:</u></b> Arizona, Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, NY Giants, San Francisco</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Quarterbacks</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Michael Vick</b> aggravated his hamstring injury early in week 8 and he's out for week 9. Thankfully, <b>Nick Foles</b> has been cleared to return to practices after sitting out week 8 with a concussion so we won't have to see any more of <b>Matt Barkley</b> barring a Foles setback.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Robert Griffin III</b> is expected to be okay for this week. RG3 suffered a minor knee injury and while he came out of the game, the Redskins say it was because the game was out of hand and there was no reason to risk him to further injury. He may be limited some in practices this week, but barring unexpected bad news, RG3 will start week 9.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Cleveland will start <b>Jason Campbell</b> again week 9 after he was better than expected week 8. It's likely a permanent move as the team has given every indication that they don't want <b>Brandon Weeden</b> as their starting QB</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Houston is going to start <b>Case Keenum</b> this week despite <b>Matt Schaub</b> being recovered enough from a foot injury to play. Keenum did well in his one game so far and the team wants to see if he can do it again. Schaub, while recovered enough from his foot injury to play, would be limited in his mobility because of it if he were to get back into game action.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Minnesota is mulling their options for a week 9 starter at QB. <b>Christian Ponder</b> blew a golden opportunity to reclaim the job with a horrible week 8 performance. <b>Josh Freeman</b> is uncertain to be cleared from his concussion and even if he is he may not be any better than he was in week 7 when he stank. <b>Matt Cassel</b> supposedly isn't in the conversation. My guess would be Ponder, but it's really uncertain who they will pick.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Remember, <b>Josh McCown</b> starts for Chicago this week, and probably the two games after that as well. <b>Jay Cutler</b> is hopeful to return sooner than week 12 from his groin tear, but players are always more hopeful than realistic.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Running Backs</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The ankle injury suffered by the Rams <b>Zac Stacy</b> is reportedly not a high ankle sprain. That's the good news. The bad news is that we have no idea if Stacy will be able to play week 9 or not. Hopefully we get an update tomorrow as Stacy was tearing through Seattle's defense last night and looking very much the part of a featured RB before the injury. If he isn't able to play, <b>Daryl Richardson</b> would start in his place.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Jamaal Charles</b> is expected to be fine despite having suffered a minor knee injury week 8. Charles was able to finish out the game and should be fine for week 9.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>It's uncertain whether Houston will have either of <b>Arian Foster</b> or <b>Ben Tate</b> this week. Foster is nursing a hamstring injury while Tate has cracked ribs. Both players have said they want to play, but neither is a sure thing. Houston called up practice squad RB <b>Ray Graham</b>, and also added <b>Deji Karim</b> and <b>Dennis Johnson</b> to add depth in case neither Foster nor Tate is able to play. Graham most likely would be the primary but that's just a guess.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Also uncertain for week 9 is Buffalo's <b>C.J. Spiller</b>. Spiller was held out of week 8 to rest a lingering ankle injury and I wouldn't be surprised if the Bills decided to do it again this week. <b>Fred Jackson</b> should be the lead RB again.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Baltimore signed <b>Bernard Scott</b> Monday. The Ravens only had <b>Ray Rice</b> and <b>Bernard Pierce</b> on their roster at the position and Pierce has a hamstring injury that has his status for week 9 uncertain.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>No official word yet on whether <b>DeMarco Murray</b> will be able to play week 9 or not. Murray sat out week 8 with his knee sprain despite getting in limited practices all last week. If Murray can return, he'll push <b>Joseph Randle</b> back to just being a backup.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Wide Receivers</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Sidney Rice</b> suffered a torn ACL in last night's game and his season is done. <b>Percy Harvin</b> is tentatively expected to return from the PUP list this week and probably would step right into the starting lineup opposite <b>Golden Tate</b>. If Harvin isn't quite ready to return yet, <b>Doug Baldwin</b> and <b>Jermaine Kearse</b> would see increased playing time. We should know more later in the week.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Tampa Bay placed <b>Mike Williams</b> on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury. <b>Tiquan Underwood </b>takes over as the starter opposite <b>Vincent Jackson</b>. Underwood is an underwhelming talent, but he is a name to keep an eye on in case he surprises.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Miami placed <b>Brandon Gibson</b> on injured reserve today. Gibson tore the patellar tendon in his left knee Sunday. <b>Rishard Matthews</b> takes over as Miami's #3 WR but I doubt if you'll get as good production out of him as you were surprisingly getting from Gibson.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Completing the IR trifecta is Detroit's <b>Ryan Broyles</b>. Broyles tore his Achilles tendon Sunday and he is done for the year. Broyles has a long list of serious injuries dating back to college and I wouldn't be surprised if he never plays a down again in the NFL. The Lions are tentatively expecting to get <b>Nate Burleson</b> back when they return from their bye and if so, he probably steps right back in as a starter with <b>Kris Durham</b> moving to the #3 WR role. &nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>It's uncertain again this week if <b>James Jones</b> will be able to play week 9 or not. Jones has missed the last 2 games with his knee injury. It was originally speculated to be a 2-3 week injury so there is a chance he comes back. But there's also the chance he doesn't.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>There's been no word on whether Atlanta's <b>Roddy White</b> is close to returning or not. White's missed the last 2 games because of ankle and hamstring injuries. Unless he practices I don't expect him to play.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Cleveland WR/KR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> tore his ACL this past Sunday and he is done for the year. I mention him for those of you who pay in leagues where special teams yardage gets counted as I doubt anyone else would have him on a roster.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b><u>Tight Ends</u></b></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Jimmy Graham</b> was able to play week 8 despite his partially torn plantar fascia injury. While Graham was used sparingly, his usage was very strategic and he remains a prime TD scorer even if his yardage numbers take a hit. Expect that to be the way the Saints use him going forward. His limited usage though drops him from the &quot;must start&quot; category to the &quot;strong starting consideration&quot; list.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Denver's <b>Julius Thomas</b> will use the bye this week to rest an ankle injury suffered week 8. Reports are that it isn't a high ankle sprain and it's hoped he'll be fine for week 10 when Denver returns.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>Jeff Cumberland</b> suffered a concussion week 8. The Jets say it's a mild concussion and tentatively, he is expected to be okay for week 9.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Washington made <b>Fred Davis</b> a healthy inactive for a second game in a row week 8. With the trade deadline having come and gone and Davis not having been traded, it's time to give up on him. It would take a <b>Jordan Reed</b> injury for Davis to get back into game action.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>NFL NewsLineup Advicearian fosterben tatebernard piercebernard scottbrandon gibsonbrandon weedenc.j. spillercase keenumchristian ponderdaryl richardsondeji karimdemarco murraydennis johnsondoug baldwinfantasy news and notesfred davisjamaal charlesjames jonesjason campbelljay cutlerjeff cumberlandjermaine kearsejimmy grahamjoseph randlejosh freemanjosh mccownjulius thomaskris durhammatt casselmatt schaubmichael vickmike williamsnate burlesonnick folespercy harvinray grahamrishard matthewsrobert griffinroddy whiteryan broylessidney ricetiquan underwoodtravis benjaminzac stacyWed, 30 Oct 2013 02:12:00 GMTtag:www.fantasyfootballstarters.com,2013-10-30:default/13830991200002013-10-30T02:12:00Z